Book Two – Rebirth
Chapter Six
Promotion
How she had managed to return to the enclave was a mystery to Xana, but seeing the brown walls didn't bring any relief to the hurricane of emotions and thoughts inside her head. As she wordlessly slouched onto the bustling terrace bordering the front gates she saw a worried looking Bastila hurrying towards her. Even that sight did not bring her any solace, it only strengthened her shame.
"Xana, where have you been?" her master asked with a voice full of concern. "Juhani returned here almost an hour ago."
Who was Juhani? She couldn't care. After the sickening defeat at the hand of the Cathar she had spent a long time in the ancient grove, trying to comprehend the implications of her loss. Her future as a Jedi was looking very bleak at this point.
When Bastila reached her she looked her apprentice over, spotting the bruised eye, the clasping of her tender ribs and the cuts and burns on her arms. "Force, what happened for you?" she gasped. Xana didn't dare look her master in the eye, afraid of the condemnation and disappointment she might find there. Bastila walked around the raven-haired woman and saw the shredded robes with the pattern of cuts underneath. Her normally pale face turned a few shades whiter. "Has Juhani done this to you?"
"It doesn't matter," Xana mumbled weakly.
"She said she had only beaten you up a bit," the brunette complained, unable to hide her anger and worry. "Should've known the Catharese definition of 'beaten up a bit' isn't the same as the human one." As she closer inspected the dirty wounds on Xana's back she shook her head. "These aren't deep, but they have to be cleaned and healed before they get the chance to infect." She briskly wrapped her arm around the apprentice's shoulders and gently guided her inside the enclave. Xana followed meekly. As they were walking the brunette gave Xana's back another critical look. "Your back is covered in dirt, just what happened to you?" Xana didn't have the energy to respond and Bastila didn't press.
Bastila brought her to their private quarters, not to the medical wing, possibly to protect her from any further humiliation. Once inside she was immediately ushered into the bathroom, and Bastila ordered Xana to undress while she busied herself with a bowl of hot water and disinfectant. When Xana was stripped down to her bra and panties she sat down sideways on the closed lid of the toilet, allowing Bastila to reach her back. The brunette drenched a soft cloth in the hot water and tenderly started washing out the wounds. Despite her soft touch Xana hissed when the antiseptic touched the searing wounds, but she didn't protest.
Bastila cleaned out the wounds gently but thoroughly, mustering up the patience of a Jedi. When she was satisfied she used the Force to heal the open cuts one by one, effectively stemming the bleeding. The knight was truly a skilled healer, because when she was done all that remained were slightly red marks, which were just a bit sensitive and tingly. Nothing indicated that the skin had been severely mutilated a few minutes ago. She assured her apprentice the red marks would be gone in a few days without leaving scars.
The knight then turned to her bruised ribs. A blue aura surrounded her hand as she assessed the damage. "No broken bones, just bruises. I can't do much healing to that, it's best to allow your body to recover naturally." Her hand moved over the bruised eye and Xana could feel the soft tingling of the Force. "Again, no fractures. You'll have an ugly black eye for a while, but to be honest you're lucky that's the worst damage Juhani has done. Knowing her she could've done you much more harm."
Xana mumbled a halfhearted response, but her mind was miles away. She had followed Bastila's treatment with distinct disinterest, mulling over how to break the bad news to her master, and how the brunette would respond. The knight got to her feet and looked Xana in the eyes, expression full of concern. "The Council will want to see us as soon as possible. Take a shower to make yourself representable, I'll fix a pair of fresh robes for you." When the apprentice remained silent she gently nudged her shoulder. "Xana?"
The sudden touch shook her out of her thoughts. "Wha…? Oh, right. Shower." She got to her feet and stretched, feeling incredibly stiff. Bastila moved out of the small bathroom to give her privacy. The olive-skinned woman shed her last two pieces of clothing and stepped under the shower, not allowing the water to warm up first, but letting the ice-cold stream wash over her in an attempt to freeze her thoughts. The sensitive red skin burned as the water gushed over the marks, but those sensations subsided once the water heated up.
Ten minutes later Xana walked out of the shower wearing fresh undergarments, hair still damp from the shower. Bastila had already placed a set of clean initiate's robes on the bed. "Get dressed, it's time to meet the Council."
Xana absentmindedly stroked the brown fabric of the robes. Her mouth involuntarily formed the question that had been plaguing her ever since her encounter with the Cathar. "Am I worthy of wearing these robes?" She still didn't dare looking Bastila in the eye.
The knight studied the apprentice's face. "Care to elaborate on that question?" she asked in a soft voice.
The apprentice turned to her master, for the first time since she arrived looking her in the eyes. "What use can I be in this war? I thought I was going to be an elite soldier – no, in my mind I had already become one. I somehow had the idea that I could singlehandedly defeat Malak," she said with a wry laugh. "Such a fool I was, I'm far from that."
The brunette folded her arms and cocked an eyebrow at her apprentice. "So you've established you won't be able to defeat the Dark Lord of the Sith in one-on-one combat. Care to point out how that makes you any less worthy of being a Jedi? Because I sure as Force don't see the connection."
Xana was getting annoyed. "Look, I got my ass handled to me by that Cathar. I stood literally no chance, it was pathetic! Had she been a Sith I would've died, no question about it."
"I see," Bastila slowly said. "So because you've been defeated by Juhani you want to quit, is that it?"
"She didn't defeat me," the initiate replied shamefully, averting her gaze. "Defeat would mean there was any form of competition. There wasn't, I simply stood no chance."
Suddenly Bastila stepped forward and surprised Xana by slapping her across the cheek, sending pulses of stinging pain through her face. "Xana Grey, whatever you're doing to yourself right now, I demand you stop it at once!"
Xana's eyes grew wide as she grasped her burning cheek. The sudden violent outburst and peremptory tone of her master surprised her. "B-Bastila?"
Bastila took Xana's chin in her hand and forced their eyes to meet. "Do you lose all hope after facing just one defeat? You disappoint me deeply, I figured you had more backbone."
"You don't understand," Xana countered. "I. Stood. No. Chance."
Bastila tightened her grip around her chin and drew her face in another inch. The brunette's light grey eyes were downright scary right now. "And neither would I, if I were to be pitted against Juhani." Xana stared at her, not believing her words. "I mean it Xana," the knight pressed.
"You defeated Darth Revan," Xana said in perfect deadpan.
"I had a strike team with me that day, and the circumstances were completely different." Bastila's eyes were stern and determined. "Juhani belongs to the last generation of Cathar that grew up on their homeworld. She was subjugated to the doctrine of their warriors, meaning she was given her first spear as soon as she was able to walk – at the ripe age of three months, taking their fast growth into account. Before she had even mastered reading she could already hunt down a wild animal on her own, thanks to her constant and intensive training under a battlemaster. At the age of five years she was expected to hunt and provide for the clan."
Bastila's intent grey eyes were still locked into Xana's green ones and she didn't release her face. "Her connection to the Force was discovered when she was six years old. When she first arrived at this enclave she was already able to defeat most padawans in battle. Her battle prowess only improved in the eleven years of Jedi training. There's a very good reason she's one of Master Vrook's favorite students."
"Somehow I figured she and Vrook would get along," Xana muttered, the Cathar's harsh reprimands clear in mind.
"So tell me, Xana Grey. How did you figure out that with your six months of training you'd be able to defeat a formidable Jedi Knight with seventeen years of training? Just who do you think you are? A goddess? Are you that arrogant?" Bastila's words had become sharp as a razor and they hit home one by one.
"I-I'm arrogant?" Xana muttered in shock.
"Don't ask me, ask yourself," the brunette reprimanded. "But if you thought you had the skill to defeat Darth Malak – the strongest undefeated Sith – maybe this Trial wasn't such a bad idea after all."
"You knew they were going to put me through this?" Xana exclaimed, barely believing what she was hearing.
"Of course I knew," Bastila scolded. "The Council informed me about their plans and asked for my permission. I had my doubts at first, but I can see the necessity of their actions now."
"The necessity…" It was then that Xana's eyes were opened, the truth finally dawned to her in fullest. "This trial… I was meant to lose this battle, wasn't I?" The knight merely stared. "It was a lesson… to show me I can't beat everyone… to teach me I'm not immortal."
"You still have limits, Xana. Becoming a Jedi hasn't removed those limitations, it merely extended them."
"I was overconfident," the apprentice realized. "I thought my new powers would allow me to do fucking anything. But I was wrong, I'm nowhere near as good. Against a full-fledged Sith Lord I wouldn't stand a chance." She looked the knight back in the eye. "I'm afraid, Bastila." It was no more than a whisper.
Bastila let out a sigh. "It's about bloody time, you thickheaded, infuriating creature." To her surprise Bastila released Xana's chin and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her apprentice into a close hug. The soothing presence of her master surrounded her like a warm blanket, effectively shielding her from the cruel outside world and giving a great sense of security. She returned the hug and breathed in deeply, inhaling the sweet scent of the brunette, which reminded her of freshly fallen autumn leaves. "If you think death is the worst the Sith can inflict on you, you're gravely mistaken."
Her master's words surprised her, and she pulled back her head, meeting with slightly haunted grey eyes. "People aren't joining the Sith out of free will," she recognized.
Bastila let out a scornful snort. "Malak doesn't earn loyalty because he has such great plans for the galaxy. No, the Sith deploy a carefully laid out campaign of propaganda, terror and torture. Even the strongest of minds will break after months of constant torment. That's why it's critical we stay out of the Sith's hands. Your fear is well grounded."
Xana's eyes fell and a shudder went through her. Bastila pushed her chin back up, giving her a reassuring smile when their eyes met again. "But that doesn't mean we should be paralyzed by our fear. Because we still have a chance, if we can stand together. Answering your earlier question if you're worthy of wearing your Jedi robes: of course you are, you little fool. Do you honestly believe I'd spend six months away from war to train you, if I wasn't one hundred percent sure you'd become an exceptional Jedi Master one day? Maybe you can't defeat a Jedi Guardian of the Cathar race yet, but your wide array of skills and sheer willpower will be invaluable for the mission we're about to take on. I need you."
Xana looked into the eyes of her master for a long time, feeling reassured and foolish at the same time. She had been arrogant, she realized now. Her perception had gone askew inside the safe enclave, giving her a false sense of confidence and pride. By becoming a Jedi she had expected to have moved up to the very top of the food chain. She probably had, but it turned out the top had its very own gradations as well. Perhaps she could deal with the lowest of Force wielders with ease, but thinking she'd be able to deal with experienced Jedi Knights or Sith Lords was downright ridiculous. Her battle against the Cathar had opened her eyes.
It also dawned to her the Council hadn't made her Jedi for her battle prowess. Sure, she could stand her own and if her ability with the Force was to develop further she'd potentially be a true terror. But she wasn't to be the goddess of war that would turn the tide of war. This war couldn't be won by sheer firepower anymore, the Sith's overwhelming numbers made sure of that. No, Xana was to be an infiltrator, sneaking behind enemy lines to uncover the secrets of the Sith's dazzling resources. Once she had found it, it would take the combined might of the Jedi Order and the Republic fleet to root them out at the source.
"I have been an utter fool," she muttered to Bastila. She hung her head. "I'm sorry."
Bastila allowed herself a small smile. "I'm just glad you found out now, and not when we're knee-deep in trouble." Her smile grew bigger. "And it means your Trial has been successful. Not only have you recognized your overconfidence, you've helped Juhani redeem herself as well. I think your title of padawan is well earned."
The mention of the Cathar made Xana's mood drop. "You know, I really thought she was going to kill me." She eyed her master sharply. "And you knew I was going to face an enraged Cathar."
"Xana, you needed to learn your strengths and limits before we leave for our mission. You had to know how you'd fare against a full-fledged Knight. It pains me that I had to pit you against Juhani in her current state, but it was necessary. I'm your master, your safety is my responsibility and I can't guarantee it if you're marching straight into battle without thought." Her face became a bit flustered and she averted her eyes. "And I… care for you."
Xana immediately felt like a bitch for judging Bastila's actions so quickly. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "And thanks for caring." For a second they pulled each other close for a hug, savoring the security they found in each other's presence.
It was Bastila who broke the embrace, blushing slightly from the close contact with her half naked apprentice. "We've kept the Council waiting long enough. Get dressed so we can meet them."
The duo was allowed into the Council chambers immediately when they arrived, meeting with the full Council again. Master Vandar immediately took the word when they stood before them. "Please tell us what you have learned today."
"I've realized that by becoming a Jedi, I haven't become all-powerful or immortal," Xana answered soberly. "I've become spoiled during my time in the safety of the enclave. The Cathar made me realize my nonchalance could cost me my life one day. In fact, had she been a fallen Jedi I'm sure I would've died or been captured. When it comes to Force wielders I'm still very much at the bottom of the pecking order, which is something I'll have to start to respect if I wish to survive on our journey."
"Indeed? And how has this revelation changed the Xana we sent out to cleanse the grove this morning?"
"I thought I could deal with any Sith if I was given the chance. I can't. I have to be ever cautious when dealing with the enemy, and I certainly can't do it on my own. I'm going to need the support of others to succeed. Your Trial has knocked me off of my high throne and put me down to earth with both feet. Have I been too arrogant? Perhaps. Not anymore though. Today made me all too aware of my limits and my place in this galaxy. The arrogance has been replaced by a healthy dose of fear and respect for my enemy."
"Then the Trial has been a success," Vandar said with an approving nod. "We were concerned about your quick progression and the effect it might have on you. By becoming a Jedi, you acquire power beyond anything you have ever experienced. There are many Jedi who are unable to cope with that evolution. They become arrogant and gluttonous for even more. The Sith provide an easy answer for them, luring them in with false promises of unrestricted strength."
"Like I said at the beginning of my training, I've no desire of joining the Sith," Xana answered evenly. "Let alone acquire unrestricted strength."
"For which we are fortunate," the sage answered. "We have lost enough capable men and women to the Sith as it is."
"We can only hope today's battle has taught you enough caution not to do anything foolish on your journey," Master Vrook chimed in. "Knight Juhani has given us a detailed description about how you strutted into unknown territory and gotten defeated like an infant."
"It won't happen again," Xana answered through gritted teeth, still not liking the way Vrook spoke to her. "But may I point out my defeat didn't prevent me from carrying out the task I was given successfully?"
"Indeed," Master Dorak replied. "I must say I'm impressed, not many are able to calm down an enraged Cathar enough to the point where they could talk to them, let alone help them conquer the inner beast."
"Was it really necessary to let her wither away in that grove for seven months?" the apprentice asked. "Seems almost cruel from my point of view."
"To you it might seem like a long time," Dorak answered. "But in the lifetime of a Jedi it's almost nothing, and for the Cathar the rewards are worth the struggle. Some Cathar require years to overcome their berserker rage, so Juhani is quite lucky with her seven months. Which is a good thing, considering the war."
"So this was all part of your plans," Xana said with disdain. "What would happen if she had decided to embrace her inner beast rather than to conquer it, and run off to the Sith?" The human master shifted uncomfortably, giving her all the answer she needed. "You would've hunted her down and killed her."
"If a Cathar is unable to cope with her feral nature, she can't be allowed to threaten the galaxy. Certainly not by defecting to the Sith."
Xana was more and more under the impression the Jedi Order didn't value the lives of their students overly much. She herself was nearly killed by Juhani, and Juhani would've been assassinated were she to fail her test. Were these four Council Masters just doing their duty, or weren't they are strongly devoted to the light side as they claimed to be? Their actions didn't inspire much trust, but she decided not to press the subject.
"So what is this inner beast exactly? I've never heard of it before."
"It's merely a name to give shape to something that isn't fully understood. Cathar are hot-blooded and passionate creatures, and this inner beast is the ultimate display of that. Some suffer from it worse than others, but once it strikes they are overwhelmed by an uncontrollable rage. The test we put Juhani through forced the beast to come out, allowing her to experience it. These experiences coupled with her Jedi meditations will give her a greater chance of preventing it in the future, and give her more control if it does come out."
"What exactly did you do to her, to make her lash out to her master like that?" Xana wanted to know.
"That is a matter between Juhani, Master Quatra, and the Council," Dorak answered. "But let her quarry be a lesson for you as well. Giving in to the inner beast for a Cathar is similar to a Jedi embracing the dark side. Juhani is both dedicated and true to the ideals of our Order, yet she was still vulnerable to these temptations, as are we all. She struck her master in anger and injured her greatly. But it was Quatra's choice to challenge the beast the way she did and it seems to have made its point. Juhani has been redeemed."
"And you have passed your final test," Master Vandar added. "Congratulations, apprentice. Or should I say, padawan? You have proven yourself worthy of joining the Jedi. Let me be the first to welcome you as a full-fledged member of our Order. There is little more for you to learn within this enclave, other than the theoretical. The time has come for you to go out in the field together with your master, to truly experience what is to be a Jedi. Your aid to the Republic and the Jedi Order in the war against the Sith is highly necessary."
"Thank you, Master Vandar," Xana answered politely.
"But for now you must rest," the sage said with fatherly concern. "Today's events no doubt worn you out." He turned to Xana's master. "Bastila, please return with your Padawan tomorrow at dawn, so we can fully discuss the details of your mission."
"Yes Master Vandar," Bastila replied with a polite bow, before turning on her heels to leave. Xana also nodded at the Council and followed her master.
The duo returned to their room to be able to discuss the events of the day in private. The knight smiled happily at the Padawan. "Congratulations Xana, your hard work has finally paid off."
"Couldn't have done it without you," the padawan said with a shrug. "You were harsh yet fair, and without your reprimands and encouragements I wouldn't have been able to grow so fast." She gave her master a toothy grin. "I'd say you've passed your test as well. Maybe it's time they promoted you to Jedi Master."
"We've both grown in the presence of each other, but it would be too early for me to be promoted," Bastila smiled. As she eyed the empty belt of her apprentice her face turned darker. "You still have to retrieve your lightsaber from Juhani."
Xana's face immediately fell. "I had hoped she had left it with you, or at least with the Council. I don't… look forward to facing the Cathar again."
"You lost it, so you will have to retrieve it," the brunette said sternly.
"I know, I know. I just… don't like her. No matter what I say to her, she only gets stuck-up or angry."
Bastila actually chuckled at that. "You're totally pegging her the wrong way, if you think she's stuck-up. She's just very blunt and direct with her observations and doesn't bother censoring her opinions. It's the way Cathar are, direct and honest. But they say once you've gained the loyalty of a Cathar, she will be at your side for the rest of your life."
"You seem to know a great deal about her," Xana observed.
"She came to the enclave eleven years ago," the master answered, voice faraway as she recalled the memories. "I had just been promoted to padawan and was allowed a bit more freedom in my dealings with other students. She was always a very interesting creature, so I spent some time with her."
"You two are friends?" the padawan asked in disbelieve.
"No… not really. Acquaintances, more likely. I'm not sure if Cathar are emotionally able to make friends, she has never given any indication to. But I respect her, and I guess she respects me as well."
"Any idea how to make my interactions with her easier?" Xana eagerly wanted to know.
"Not really, it's a bit of a struggle for me as well," the knight admitted. "Just remember to stay respectful at all times. Like you should with all your superiors, by the way," she added raptly.
"Fat chance that's gonna happen," Xana growled. She wasn't about to lick the heels of the Cathar, certainly not after all cruel things the feline had said and done to her.
Bastila let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine, be like this. You're responsible for your actions, so don't expect me to jump to your defense when you're being bludgeoned by an angry Cathar." She pointed to the door. "Juhani has room 36, go fetch your lightsaber," she ordered.
"As you wish master," Xana said with a mock bow, earning her an angry scowl from the brunette. She chuckled as she left the room.
Xana found room 36 quickly. She steadied herself and heaved a deep sigh before knocking on the door. After hearing some muffled movement behind it, the door slid open to just a crack and the Cathar peeked through it. When she saw who her visitor was she groaned. "Your timing is as dreadful as your ability with the lightsaber," she snarled, as she opened the door a bit further. Xana felt blood rush to her ears and neck when she saw the Cathar had shed the leather parts of her outfit. All that remained was the moss green catsuit that hugged every inch of her body like a second skin, revealing every single line of her sinewy body in full glory. Xana couldn't help but admire the beautiful shapes and curves. Hadn't Juhani been such a bitch she might've even attempted to flirt with her a bit, just for the fun of it.
"Are you going leer at me for the rest of the day?" the Cathar inquired, as she folded her arms impatiently.
"Umm, hello," the padawan greeted sheepishly, all too aware how her lecherous staring must've looked. The Cathar merely looked her in the eyes. "Juhani was it not?" she added, hating how nervous she sounded.
The Cathar looked down on her disdainfully. "The Council has promoted me to Knight."
Xana was trying to figure out what the woman was trying to say with those words. "Oh, err… congratulations, I guess?" The furious glint was relit in the Cathar's eyes and she tensed like she was going to lash out at Xana. She wondered how she had offended the alien this time. "So it's Knight Juhani now, right?" she said carefully, trying some small talk to ease the tension.
How she had done it she didn't know, but her words immediately calmed the feline. In fact she looked almost pleased, much to Xana's surprise and relief. Hearing sudden movement behind the Cathar made her aware of a second presence inside the small room. "Is that Initiate Grey, Juhani?" a female voice asked. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't immediately place it.
The Cathar's head snapped around. "Not now, Belaya," she said in a voice that was warm and commanding at the same time. "The initiate and I have some unfinished business to take care of."
Belaya, now she recognized the voice. Belaya was one of the Jedi Knights guards stationed at the enclave for its protection. She was a pretty human woman with smooth brown hair, so Xana hadn't been able to resist doing some innocent flirting. She had been surprised when the knight hardly responded to it, remaining stoic and almost sad whenever Xana had tried to break the ice. In retrospect the only way Xana knew Belaya was distanced and gloomy. Now she knew why, if she and Juhani were close. Having a good friend wither away in seclusion must be hard, certainly if you're not allowed to help her.
The yellow eyes turned blank once more as the Cathar regarded Xana, snapping her out of her thoughts. Once again she found herself wondering what was going on inside that head of hers. "You must be here for the debt," Juhani said evenly.
"Err… debt?"
"Killing my hounds and treating me with disrespect," the feline elaborated. The padawan watched her in disbelief; did this woman truly think she had come to apologize for that? Xana was the reason why Juhani was back in the enclave again, she wasn't about to bow down to her because of some fucking dogs. "In light of your other actions I've decided to relieve you of those debts," the Cathar continued in a neutral voice. "I was unaware of the machinations the Jedi used to help me to conquer my inner beast. If you hadn't opened my eyes to it I would still be in the grove, mourning the faked death of my master."
The padawan grinded her teeth, she couldn't believe the way this woman was treating her. "I'm glad you've found the kindness in your heart to relieve me of my debts, Knight Juhani." Her words were dripping with sarcasm, this spoiled brat should be thanking her for snapping her out of her self-pity.
Much to her surprise Juhani gave her an approving nod and relaxed completely. "As you should be, I was told not many humans are able to cope with being indebted to a Cathar." Juhani looked down on her blankly and Xana returned the look in disbelief, unable to comprehend what was going on. Had the sarcasm just flown straight over the alien's head?
"I…" She tried to come up with something to say, but couldn't find the words. Another small victory for the Cathar, not many were able to silence Xana. Realizing she'd probably never understand this woman she gave up, deciding to cut to the chase. "You still have my lightsaber."
"Keen observation." The feline tilted her head slightly, hinting at a curiosity that never reached the rest of her impassive face.
"I want… can I have it back? Please?" If she'd be impolite this woman was bound to refuse returning her weapon. Losing her lightsaber was shameful enough as it was, she wasn't going to have to rely on Bastila to get it back. She could already hear Juhani's taunting words. Crawl back to your masters, whelp.
Juhani lifted her hand without ever looking away from Xana, sending the lightsaber flying straight into it with the Force. She offered it to the padawan in her outstretched palm, who quickly grabbed it. "Thank you," she muttered. She wished the Cathar would stop staring her in the eyes so intently, it made her slightly nervous.
"Relinquishing your weapon to an opponent is a warrior's greatest disgrace." She said it with the air of someone pointing out that grass was green, but the insult hit Xana like a dagger. Juhani didn't press the matter any further, but took a silent step backward. "Now leave us alone." She shut the door right in the Padawan's face.
Xana let out the ragged sigh she had been holding back, a strange mixture of anger, shame and fear overwhelming her. How could this woman have such an effect on her? She stared at the closed door, already knowing the answer. She couldn't read Juhani, she was like a closed book to her. Her face was devoid of any emotion, as blank as a clouded sky at a moonless night. No matter how hard she tried to figure out what was going on in her head and how she could possibly manipulate it, she found nothing. Not the slightest trace. Words she thought would have a positive effect only backfired on her by enraging the feline.
Slowly she turned away from the door. As she slouched away she made up her mind; she'd simply stop caring about the pretentious Cathar. There were bigger things to worry about, tomorrow she'd start carrying out her new duties as padawan. Soon she would leave the enclave altogether and she wasn't planning on coming back. It was a big galaxy out there, there was no reason to believe she'd ever run into the Cathar again.
She allowed herself a smug grin. If she was lucky – which she usually was, considering her scoundrel's luck – she'd never meet the nasty creature ever again. That thought lifted her spirits considerably, and she started humming a cheerful tune as she made her way back to her room.